Epigenetic regulation of cancer stem cell gene expression

Subcell Biochem. 2013:61:419-34. doi: 10.1007/978-94-007-4525-4_18.

Abstract

The concept of cancer as a stem cell disease has slowly gained ground over the last decade. A 'stem-like' state essentially necessitates that some cells in the developing tumor express the properties of remaining quiescent, self-renewing and regenerating tumors through establishment of aberrant cellular hierarchies. Alternatively, such capacities may also be reacquired through a de-differentiation process. The abnormal cellular differentiation patterns involved during either process during carcinogenesis are likely to be driven through a combination of genetic events and epigenetic regulation. The role(s) of the latter is increasingly being appreciated in acquiring the requisite genomic specificity and flexibility required for phenotypic plasticity, specifically in a context wherein genome sequences are not altered for differentiation to ensue. In this chapter, the recent advances in elucidating epigenetic mechanisms that govern the self-renewal, differentiation and regenerative potentials of cancer stem cells will be presented.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Differentiation
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Cell Transformation, Neoplastic / genetics
  • Cell Transformation, Neoplastic / metabolism
  • Cell Transformation, Neoplastic / pathology
  • Chromatin / metabolism
  • Chromatin Assembly and Disassembly
  • DNA Methylation
  • Epigenesis, Genetic*
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic*
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease
  • Histones / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Neoplasms / pathology
  • Neoplastic Stem Cells / metabolism*
  • Neoplastic Stem Cells / pathology
  • Phenotype

Substances

  • Chromatin
  • Histones